2026 Atlanta Falcons Preview

There were some positives for the 2025 Atlanta Falcons but the fact that they came out of the season without a true #1 quarterback was huge.  Michael Penix was hurt and went 3-6 in the nine games he started.  Kirk Cousins wasn't the answer.  They could rush the ball and were able to get interceptions.  Outside of those two areas, they struggled and went 8-9 in a weak division.  

They brought in Tua Tagovaila but he doesn't inspire confidence moving forward.  There are some weapons on offense in Bijan Robinson and Drake London but without a stable and good quarterback they'll go to waste.  Kyle Pitts had an excellent year and received a big contract.  Atlanta was in a tough spot.  He hadn't performed before 2025.  It was either give him the extension or let him go.  

I do think there is talent on the roster.  Unfortunately, it hasn't equated to wins.  Unless Tua or Penix step up, I don't think they get back to 8 wins.  The schedule is tough as they'll have to face the AFC North.  Receiver Johan Dotsan was maybe their flashiest move in free agency and doesn't move the needle.  Unless the team makes major advances at QB and on defense, it could be a miserable season. 

2026 Buffalo Bills Preview

 The 2025 Buffalo Bills were good.  Like really good.  The offense was 4th in points scored though the defense was 12th in points given up.  They could stop the pass but not the run.  And again, couldn't get over the playoff hump losing to the Broncos 33-30 in the Divisional round.   This led them to fire coach Sean McDermott who went 98 and 50 with the Bills.  They made it to two Conference Finals during his tenure.  Ownership gets the need to succeed during the now 30-year-old quarterback's time with the Team.

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady is the new coach.  I think this is risky.  The offense is so good.  DJ Moore was the big acquisition on offense.  I'm pretty "meh" about picking him up.  The team needed a top receiver, but I see him more as a #2 guy.  They added help along the defensive line and in the secondary but not many more impact moves.  Buffalo is also changing defensive schemes.

To me this all just means a lot of unknowns.  It feels like they'll be relying on Josh Allen again whatever success they have.  The AFC has seen Denver and New England ascend and you have to think Baltimore and Cincy are better this season.  Just a lot of unknowns.  It could work out for the better, and I'm assuming they get to 12 wins again.  Maybe with some luck they win more.  I know it's easy for me to sound doom and gloom but there is hope the new coaching staff get Buffalo over the hump.  As long as Josh Allen is healthy, they will be good.  They just need to make the right tweaks and be better enough to get to the Super Bowl or the team and fans will once again be disappointed.

And Buffalo is moving into a new stadium this year.